The NRL Match Review Committee has today initiated defamation proceedings against Queensland Origin coach Mal Meninga, as well as Queensland Newspapers over a diatribe published last Sunday.
The proceedings relate to a a statement of claim filed with the Supreme Court of NSW on behalf of the Committee.
Earlier attempts to find a resolution out of court were unsuccessful.
The NRL has stated it will support the Match Review Committee’s proceedings at least until such time as the offending statements made in relation to them are withdrawn and an apology is issued.
NRL CEO David Gallop issued a statement tonight:
“The statements in the article were seriously offensive to individuals who carry out important roles for the game with absolute integrity,” said Gallop.
“This has nothing to do with interstate rivalry or a person’s right to challenge a decision but it has everything to do with the fact that there are laws against falsely attacking a person’s good name and reputation.
“Had it involved an NRL coach it would certainly have resulted in a substantial fine which may have in some way lessened the need for independent legal action from the parties involved.
“In any case it remains our responsibility to assist in protecting those people who carry out important roles for the game from baseless allegations of bias or corruption.
“The members of the Match Review Committee are entitled to defend themselves in such a situation and are entitled to expect that the game will offer them support in the process.”
Gaz
Guest
Can't beat him on the field so take him through the courts. Wonder if their aiming at a 12 month jail term to take out of the SOO Series next year, But that's right he's not coaching is he? What a complete waste of time and money, no wonder the other codes are loaughing at us.
Todd Slater
Guest
I think it says more about Greg MaCallum that he can't pickup up a phone & ring Mal & say what's the problem. He rather ring Gallop have a whinge & then get the lawyers onto it. It really is farcical. I ask again. What has Mal done wrong, seriously ?
Gaz
Guest
ABS Spot on with the quick fix plan - it didn't work this time and maybe not the next. All RStuart has done is create undue animosity amongst the supporters. Unfortunately he was backed by the faceless men and all have come a gutser. It was pleasing to see DLockyer's column in today's Courier Mail where he said he had no hatred towards the Blues players whatsoever and was looking forward to gelling with them in the Australian side later this year. NSW have so many terrific players to pick from they just need the right people to sit down now and come up with a side they can stick with show some loyalty to. They also need a coach who can follow through, be low key, well structured with a positive mental attitude. RStuart runs around like a fart in a bottle trying to upset the whole apple cart and the results are there for all to see. GGould of course fits the mould but says he won't coach again. Maybe could be talked into it to break the QLD run. It is upsetting to see a hard fought series resulting in legal action. Despite what DGallop says, the NRL judiciary does I believe have a history of charging non NSW teams while appearing to lean towards the local sides. It would be interesting to find some statistics on their judiciaryship since sides like Canberra were born. -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.
Angry Blues Supporter
Guest
Poor Team Management, Short term gain pollices regarding team selection and lack of resolve are problems associated with THe New South Wales State of Origin Team. The problems have gone on and on, the formular is pretty simple as demostrated by QLD, So if the NRL cant even do the simple things like develope a longterm team management and goal setting plan for the next 5 years and stick to it, how can they even run the everyday development and management of the sport in NSW. Sporting bodies in Australia have a long legacy of being detrimental to a sport if incompetance is tolerated for to long, Eg. Cricket and Swimming. Maybe this sporting body should be looking to make some changes at the top that maybe where the problems are. As for Mal beig sued what an example of this incompetence. The NRL should have just copped it and moved on. I hope it back fires and the torch can shine on the these fellows and their lack of know how. Nsw supportes should be angry at the lack of vision and tardy management of their game and start asking some serious questions.It's easy to sit back and call Mal names but maybe this could be the thing that gets some questions being asked about whats going on . Welldone QLD you've showed us how to do things once again its easy to say you guys have these great players but really NSW does as well and it come down to management and thats where we allways go wrong . Wake up NSW. Cheers Blue- admit it guys Queensland have just done it better.
League_Coach101
Guest
I'm finding this whole thing rather bizzare... are we sure this isn't just part of a masterful 2012 Origin Campaign? I mean Tony Abbot has started campaigning for the next election about 28 months before it's due - surely Mal and Ricky can start their 2012 campaign now? One question though - the match review committee Mal refers to - did it have any Queenslanders on it?
Gaz
Guest
I would be more impressed if Gallop was spending his time working on the Independant Commission then sticking his nose in belatedly where it's not wanted. The looseness of current NRL administration infrastructure is an embarrassment at best and he would be well served getting his own house in order before coming out criticizing others. What a joke. -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.